The chilly weather that comes with the winter season makes it vital to wear warm, cozy clothing to protect your health. Aside from having your heating systems working over time, you also need to know the right wardrobe essentials to have. However, many people don’t know this, leading to some avoidable winter closet mistakes. With the winter wear market value projected to hit a little over $14 billion from last year to 2027, there are many options to choose from to help you dress warmly and comfortably this winter. It all starts with knowing which winter wardrobe mistakes to avoid, including those below.
1. Ignoring proper layering techniques
Although layering is crucial in winter, few people get it right. It is tempting to throw on your thickest sweater and think you’re protected enough against the chilly weather. However, the key to staying warm goes beyond this to knowing how to strategically layer up. First, start with a lightweight base layer with the ability to wick moisture if you sweat at any point in the day. Wet clothing underneath your jacket can still make you feel cold or even catch a chest infection if your immunity is low. The next layer is an insulating garment to preserve body heat underneath the jacket, then finish it off with a stylish women's cozy cardigan. A classy outer layer that provides further cold protection and warmth all day long will work just fine. Wearing your layers in the wrong order can limit how much warmth you receive under your clothing. Moreover, it may even make you look awkward, especially when thicker layers are protruding and showing under your jacket.
2. Wearing improper or inadequate footwear
Many frostbite cases happen in winter and tend to occur on the extremities or the limbs. The feet are almost always at risk when you fail to wear the appropriate footwear in chilly weather. Some people may be inclined toward choosing style over practicality and adequate footwear function. However, this isn’t ideal. Winter footwear is the best to wear at this time of the year when there is snow, and the ground is increasingly slippery. Non-slip shoes are the best option for winter. Remember to choose footwear with adequate water-resistant features to provide proper protection. If you are after style, you can still find stylish footwear purposely made for winter. Practicality is the best way to go when the temperature drops significantly to lower degrees. Even with winter footwear, remember to wear warm socks to keep your toes comfortable. Socks made with moisture-wicking material can prevent the skin on your feet from feeling clammy when you sweat.
3. Underestimating moisture-wicking fabrics in winter
The number of clothing worn in winter, especially when they’re not well-layered, can cause constant sweating even when the external temperature has dropped several degrees below the usual. The number of thick layers, without consideration of the fabric, can also make you sweat. Cotton is an excellent material but has poor moisture-wicking properties. Therefore, using a cotton fabric layer underneath a thick jacket can make you sweat and draw cold closer to your body. Instead, nylon, polyester, and wool have excellent moisture-wicking properties that make them ideal for winter.